To market, to market

Living 20 minutes from the furniture capital of the world has its perks, like finding great sample sales and getting a first look at some the most imaginative home decor on the planet. It's also fueled my love for renovations and makeovers. With every passing October and April show, I find something that just has to grace my home, or at least a close friend's. One market it was an orange silk and bronze Jamie Young lamp. Another it was the embroidered linen pillows. Then there was the aluminum cow skull and the Barbara Cosgrove silhouette lamps... and the list goes on.

According to market buzz, I'm going to see a lot of blue at the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC, next week, the largest furniture show in the world. Just me and 85,000 other people perusing 12 million square feet of showrooms. Overwhelming? Perhaps. Invigorating? Absolutely!

As in most industry shows, the best stuff is not found in the giant showrooms but in the nooks and crannies. The new designers, the fledgling companies, the executives turned artisans - that's where it's at. Not that I don't appreciate the continuous parade of irrefutable design prowess at houses like Baker Furniture, but I'm dying to check out some new spaces. I'm particularly interested in visiting the Antique and Design Center, where my friend and designer Karen Luisana promises a departure from the ordinary. Given her proclivity for finding items like an antique snowshoe maker's form, I feel sure she can deliver on her word.

Kat Burki's foray into High Point promises to be clean and inspiring. My mouth waters just looking at one of her leather chairs, green as a Granny Smith apple.



Oh, to be in Furnitureland! Stay tuned to see next week's preview of crush-worthy designs that will be hitting stores later this year.